Wildlife

Wild Barnacle Goose Winter Welfare

Barnacle geese winter on UK saltmarshes and improve in condition during their stay before returning to Arctic breeding grounds, with welfare linked to saltmarsh quality.

Key Facts

The Solway Firth hosts the largest UK wintering barnacle goose population from Svalbard
Saltmarsh vegetation including grass and sea plantain provides their primary winter food
Disturbance from wildfowling and recreational activity repeatedly forces birds off feeding areas
WWT Caerlaverock reserve provides critical undisturbed wintering habitat for the Svalbard population
Climate change is shifting goose wintering distributions northward as mild winters extend

Welfare Considerations

Barnacle goose winter welfare depends on undisturbed access to productive saltmarsh habitats. Protected reserve management and responsible recreation near wintering flocks are essential welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support WWT Caerlaverock reserve management for barnacle goose wintering habitat
Record barnacle goose flock sizes through WeBS counts to contribute to population monitoring
Respect seasonal access restrictions near known barnacle goose roosting and feeding areas